Flipping Out for Generation Z | NACADA Annual Conference | October 2019 Generation Z Characteristics

Even though everyone born in one generation does not share the same values and experiences, generations share a common context that shapes their worldview and can provide insight into what has influenced their perspectives. In short, Gen Z has been shaped by the advancement of technology, issues of violence, a volatile economy, and social justice movements.

Preferences

Motivations  Relationships - not wanting to let others down, advocating for something they believe in, and making a difference for someone else  Rewards - having the opportunity for advancement, and earning credit toward something Communication  Quick, frequent, and succinct communication – short attention spans  Phones give the ability to communicate quickly and from anywhere at any time but are not for phone calls; text or iMessage is best  Prefer face-to-face interaction, but lack interpersonal skills  Connected at least one hour every day to social media & other Social Media platforms  More than just connecting with friends and family; it’s staying up to date on news, researching topics of interest, & general lifestyle improvement

 Can witness and virtually experience new concepts on YouTube Learning  Prefer learning new knowledge individually through reading an article or book online, completing an online module, or watching a video  Learn first, then immediately apply new information to real life  Research is about quickly finding the answers rather than the process

Ways to Engage Generation Z Students Flipped Advising Use technology such as a Learning Management System (LMS) to extend the face- to-face advising approach to a 24/7 model. In the LMS (i.e. Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classroom), you can create modules and exercises that benefit both students and advisors. Students are able to develop academic and career plans based on reliable information and resources selected by advisors. Advisors can help students make meaning of academic and career planning and spend less time presenting information to students. Within the modules, you can incorporate various content to appeal to different types of learners such as online articles, instructional videos, and reflection questions.

Jennifer Stevens, MS | Academic Advisor | University of Kentucky College of Public Health [email protected] Flipping Out for Generation Z | NACADA Annual Conference | October 2019 Ways to Engage Generation Z Students Face-to-Face Increase face time as much as possible. Mandatory meetings and expanded hours allow students to meet you and access advising at times that may be more convenient. Consider virtual face-to-face meetings with Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. Messaging Text students with quick, personal messages. You don’t have to use a personal number. There are plenty of free texting services available online such as textfree.com that can assign you a number and even send messages to your email. Save time with pre-determined messages for campus resources and reminders. Videos Students prefer learning new knowledge by watching videos. Create a YouTube channel for your program, office, or department to provide information. Not enough content for a channel? House informational videos on a department website. Videos can introduce faculty and staff members, directions for completing a process, etc. Connect their Passions Generation Z students are motivated in part by advocating for something in which they believe. Use this to learn about their passions and values and connect them to their lifestyle practices. Help students make educated decisions about their own behaviors. Ask open-ended questions to learn about what interests students have. Warning: Don’t be all things to all students Don’t try to integrate too many things at once, especially when it comes to social media. Students will ignore you. Choose one or two platforms that will align with your purpose. For example, consider using Twitter to connect through the duration of one distinct event or Instagram to highlight programs and services to reach prospective students.

Notes:

References: Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (2016). Generation Z Goes to College. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Steele, G. E. (2016). Creating a flipped advising approach. NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources. Retrieved from https://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/View-Articles/Creating-a-Flipped-Advising- Approach.aspx Jennifer Stevens, MS | Academic Advisor | University of Kentucky College of Public Health [email protected]